Meet The Author:
Gregory T Glading
I was born at the University of Pennsylvania hospital in 1958, across the street from Franklin Field, a stadium as iconic as Shibe Park. Elvis was number one on the charts; Marilyn was queen of the silver screen; and Mantle was slugging home runs. My first ten years were tumultuous as my family moved ten times. After a bitter divorce divided the family, we settled in a quaint neighborhood called Banjo Town, outside of Wayne, Pennsylvania.
The Banjo Town neighborhood of my epoch also boasted artists Zaporah Hildebrandt, Wendilee Heath O'Brian, and novelist Russell Heath. I attended Radnor Township public schools up to June 1975 until abruptly sent to West Nottingham Academy in Colora, Maryland for my senior year. I graduated with the WNA class of 1976. My fondest youthful memories are my summers at Camp Greenbrier in Alderson, West Virginia.
I joined the United States Army after high school. I served with the 10th Special Forces Group and the Eighth US Army in Korea. After my enlistment, I attended Temple University. I also re-enlisted in the United States Army Reserves. I lived in various Philadelphia neighborhoods until settling in South Philly. My South Philly experience inspired my novels, '64 Intruder and Chords of Time.
I later visited South Africa. My visit unexpectedly lasted ten years. I worked as a professional wrestler under the avatar Gorgeous Greg Bragg. My nickname among the other wrestlers was "The Riot Starter." South African wrestling fans were passionate to say the least.
I returned to the United States in November 1994, electing to settle in Florida rather than Philadelphia. I first worked as a sergeant in the Florida Department of Corrections. Keeping secrets from inmates takes effort. Word leaked about my background as a professional wrestler, and the inmates nicknamed me "Smack Down." In addition, I enlisted in the US Army Reserves, thinking it was only a part-time gig. Then, 911 hit. My unit got deployed to Iraq; I was attached to the 1st Battalion 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division at Camp War Eagle, known as The Dirty Bird. I earned multiple medals and am most proud of earning the "Order of the Spur." The award states: "With Saber and Carbine in hand and having displayed those traits associated with all accomplished Cavalry Soldiers: Skill, Cunning, Dash, and Fervor, is hereby entered into the walls of the Charger Order of the Spur and is awarded a pair of Combat Cavalry Spurs."
After my deployment, I moved from Southern Florida to Central Florida. I worked in Disney Transportation and doubled as a Teamster shop steward. As of now, I have lived in four different continents and visited over forty countries. My sons, Dante and Pierce, are what I am most proud of. Dante was the 2021 Florida High School Baseball Player of the Year and is currently playing college baseball on a full scholarship. Meanwhile, Dante was an all-county offensive tackle and is playing college football on a full ride.
Call me to find out more about my work!